History prevailed as a battle did not occur in Battle Ground yet again following a social media video last week that called for violent opposition to a flag waving event planned in the city to honor Charlie Kirk.
A couple hundred people arrived and assembled on each corner of the intersection of Main Street and state Route 503 in Battle Ground to wave American flags and hold signs in remembrance of the slain conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk on Sunday, Sept. 21.
Absent was any opposition to the peaceful assembly.
After Kirk was assassinated at a public debate event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, people gathered at the Battle Ground intersection to wave flags in his honor on Sunday, Sept. 14. The coordinators then planned a second gathering to take place after Kirk’s funeral service on Sept. 21.
Between the two flag waving events, on Tuesday, Sept. 16, a TikTok account by the name of “redchair” called for people to arrive in opposition for the Sept. 21 event.
“It seems like the Pillsbury boys and the Wizards are having a birthday party in Battle Ground, Washington on Main Street and 503 around noon and they’re going to be having a big old party up and down the street,” a TikTok video posted by “redchair” stated. “I am suggesting that everybody meet me at 11:30 on Main Street and 503 in Battle Ground, Washington for a baseball game. You can find baseball bats at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Fred Myers. … So I look forward to meeting everybody. Bring your bats and bring your gloves. We’re going to have a great baseball game.”
In another video, the man stated people should wear purple shirts as a uniform.
As baseball bats can be fatal weapons, and with the TikTok videos encouraging the use of baseball bats and referring to an act of opposition as a friendly game of baseball, the Battle Ground community shared many concerns of the videos.
The Battle Ground Police Department (BGPD) was swift to respond to the idea as BGPD Chief Dennis Flynn made his own social media video on the City of Battle Ground social media pages on Wednesday, Sept. 17.
Flynn talked about the First Amendment, the right to peacefully assemble and more
“We’ve been made aware by a very troubling social media post from an individual who’s encouraging others to disrupt this remembrance through acts of violence,” Flynn stated in the video. “His disparaging comments were both disgusting and dangerous. They threaten the very moral fabric of peace and civility of our community.”
Shortly after Flynn’s video, the entire TikTok account of “redchair” appeared to have been banned or removed.
“When this speech crosses the line and incites violence or criminal behavior, it becomes unlawful,” Flynn said in his video. “And it’s incumbent that the police department steps in and act. The city of Battle Ground is one of the best places in America to live, work and raise a family. Our residents, our business owners, our visitors, they all deserve to feel safe and free from threats of violence or intimidation.”
During both around 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21, and from 3 to 5 p.m., the flag waving event remained peaceful and without opposition besides some people in cars on occasion.
“So let me be clear, while we support peaceful demonstrations, and the respectful exchange of differing views, we will not tolerate those who come into our city to promote or engage in acts of violence,” Flynn said. “Anyone who incites riot-like behavior or commits unlawful acts will be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
From before 11 a.m. through after 5 p.m. on Sept. 21, the Battle Ground Police Department maintained a consistent presence in the area of Main Street and state Route 503.
